Northern Cape might have thought they have scored a moral victory against Western Province in the Three-day Sunfoil Series as the hosts were in a spot of bother on 198 for six in their second innings while chasing 322 on Saturday.

The visitors also won the CSA One-Day Cup Provincial match against Western Province by 37 runs on Sunday thanks to Letlotlo Sesele’s superb 94.

Yet, the positive mind-set displayed by Western Province, and their fearless, adventurous pursuit of a three-day win when they could have settled for a stalemate in the first innings, deserves enormous credit.

Kyle Verreynne hammered 107 in the first innings, while Derek Mitchell contributed 57 as the hosts reached 295 for five in pursuit of 370.

Instead of trying to attain a first-innings lead, Province threw down the gauntlet and basically invited Northern Cape to set them a target. The explosive approach is indicative of Faiek Davids’ impact. They pursue wins, instead of ensuring that they don’t lose.

The visitors responded by scoring 246 for two.

Province reached 198 for six as the match fizzled out in a draw. The most satisfying part of the second innings was an unbeaten 65 by Zubayr Hamza. Mitchell scored 35.

“Province won their first three Sunfoil Three-Day Cup matches in handsome fashion and again impressed with their positive mind-set in this game against a very strong Northern Cape side.

“The remarkable aspect of this team is that they have been the nursery to the Cape Cobras during the past fortnight, yet, despite losing some stalwarts to the Buildnat Cape Cobras, they have continued to defy the odds and have won games or have challenged heavyweights,” said Nabeal Dien, chief executive officer of the Western Province Cricket Association.

“The loss in the one-day provincial challenge is a pity, but it is no train smash. With this style of play, Western Province will win many friends, overwhelm opponents and grow the reserve-strength of the franchise. The performances in the Three-Day Cup have shown that the team has evolved from their campaign last season when they reached the final,” Dien added.